Tuesday, May 13, 2008

American Idol - Top 3

Taking a page from Cindy, I'm going to attempt to keep my comments short & sweet. Let's see...3 words, a quote (possibly paraphrased), and a summation. It won't be as funny as Cindy, but hopefully it will at least be brief...er. My pick for each round will be in red.

David Archuleta - And So It Goes (Paula's choice) - Sweet. Simple. Squinty. "In it to win it." Nice choice. Not stunning, but, well, sweet.

Syesha Mercado - If I Ain't Got You (Randy's choice) - Sparkly. Smiley. So-not-Alicia. "Peaking late in the competition." I know she loved the choice, but I agree with Simon, I wish she'd had the opportunity to sing something less identifiable with a star.

David Cook - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Simon's choice) - Sultry. Stunning. Stellar. "My second favorite person who sings it." I loved this one. LOVED it. LOVED IT!!! Perfect choice, Simon. Was that his mama standing in the audience? It was. Oh. How. Sweet.

David Archuleta - With You (David's choice) - Weird. Weak. Wobbly (dancing). "A chihuahua trying to be a tiger." The girls loved it. I didn't.

Syesha Mercado - Fever (Syesha's choice) - Eyebrows. Theatrical. Old-fashioned. (Had to give up the alliteration.) "I think you're going to regret that tomorrow." Fun, for a musical review or cabaret show. Not Top 40 radio material.

David Cook - I Dare You to Move (David's choice) - Pitchy. Under-energized. Semi-cool. "I wanted more." Not his best, but the best of this round.

David Archuleta - Longer (Producer's choice) - Pretty. Predictable. Put-together (wardrobe). "You could sing the phone book." And "It was so gooey." Gorgeous, gooey vocals.

Syesha Mercado - Hit Me Up (Producer's choice) - Sassy. Sequiny. Slippery (pitches). "It's a song about penguins." Last week was better...maybe she peaked too late.

David Cook - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (Producer's choice) - Stringy. Silky. Superb. "This is where the beginning, the middle, and the end is." And "See ya in the finals." 'Nuff said.

David Cook wins the night. Simon Says. I do to. You go, boy!

Now, for the love of all things funny, please go see BooMama's review!

NEW! Fudgy Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Just posted on my recipe blog. Here's a preview:
dessert2

A Door is Ajar...A Jar is...

We used to have a car that said "A door is ajar" whenever someone took too long getting into the car. It was...annoying. Know what else is annoying? The ICK inside my apothecary jars. Remember these? Well, now they look like this:


growing
Jar #1 isn't too bad, but the plant is growing too tall.
jar2
Jar #2 is still fine.
ick
But Jar #3...

Well, it reminds me of this:

Yes. Ick. ::::shudder::::

So. Looking at the ick in jar #3 leaves me totally uninspired. I need some great, cheap, INSPIRED ideas for what to put inside my apothecary jars (after I clean them out). I like natural-ish looking things, but I'm open to other ideas. That moss in the bottom of the jars is probably still useable, except for the moss in jar #3. Here's what I've done thus far. Near Easter, I filled my apothecary jars like this, and when I first got them, I filled them like this.

Here's where you can help. I need your suggestions, photos, links, etc. As Kari and Kijsa would say, "What's an Apothecary Jar to Do?"

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Time Out for Some Musical Fun!

I love this!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

American Idol - The Final Four

That would be Top 4. I must say, I'm about ready to wrap this thing up. Crown the Davids and let's be done, ok? Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should give us a little more variety. Let's get started, shall we?

David Cook - Hungry like a Wolf – I liked the “doo doo doo” part. I just love the way he makes eye contact with the audience. I hear a little bit of pitchiness tonight, and I had trouble making out the words. Plus, what is going on with the back of that boy’s head? I thought this was less vibrant than some of the other songs. I agree with Randy. I’m a little creeped out at Paula’s comments.

Syesha MercadoProud Mary – Hmmm….taking on another icon? This could be bad news. She looks amazing. OK…those pitch problems just persist, don’t they? She’s a great performer, but the vocals are still very important! Does anyone else see a little bit of Halle Berry in Syesha? Especially when she gets emotional.

Jason Castro - I Shot the Sheriff - Ha! "Go figure" cracked me up! I'm not a Bob Marley fan, but this is Jason's vibe. He seemed to be enjoying it more than he has in weeks. I really didn't hate it as much as the judges did. I liked that he had fun with it.

David Archuleta - Stand By Me - I wish David's stylists would help him get a slightly more mature look. I'd like to see him in a tailored untucked button down shirt, not these skater clothes...still youthful, but with a little more substance. Let's get Clinton Kelly on the scene. Anywho. LOVED the vocals tonight. I liked this song for him. Ha Ha! "Their faces scare me" also cracked me up!

David Cook - Baba O'Riley - Man, how lame am I? I have never heard of this song, but I thought this was cooler than the first song. The pitchiness is still there, but not as pronounced. Is it just me, or does he look stressed and exhausted tonight? Still, he is consistently cool and a great performer.

Yeehaw for the Rascals! Love me some Rascal Flatts!

Syesha Mercado - A Change is Gonna Come - Nice job, Syesha. Seemed to have a little issue on the last line, but very, very nice. Pretty dress (but it needs a little hanky there in the neckline). That is a seriously groovy Syesha poster in the audience. I disagree with Randy. I actually liked this better than the first song. I think Paula was right on the money (and surprisingly lucid tonight). Glad to hear Simon agrees!

Jason Castro - Mr. Tambourine Man - Oh no. So sorry Jason. I had high hopes than you could outshine Ms. Syesha and stick around another week...for the sake of the Aggies. But you just can't blank out on words in the top 4. There's just no room for that. But I still like you. I would love to see you in your real element. Do you wanna come lead worship in our church one Sunday this summer? Seriously. Have your people call my people.

David Archuleta - Love Me Tender - Oh, how sad is it that David doesn't know "Love Me Tender"? Hey...how did the stylists read my post before I even posted it? Much better look. Poor baby, he looks a little pained. He needs to let David Cook teach him how to make eyes at the audience. But those vocals? Absolutely glorious. Chills. Well done, young David.

I was prepared to love David Cook tonight, but I really liked David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado the best tonight.

Jason, keep the faith. Keep singing. It's been fun watching you.

If you can't get enough of American Idol, you'll want to stop by BooMama's for a refreshing take on tonight's show.

Jason Castro - Live from College Station?

OK, honestly? When Jason Castro sang Hallelujah? I totally wanted him to win, then and there. Since that week, I don't think he's been as strong, but there's still something very likeable about him. I don't see him winning this whole she-bang, but I'd love to see him make it through this week. Why? Because the top 3 get to have a "home town concert", and Jason's will be in College Station. On the A&M campus. How cool is that? My sweet friend Julie (who introduced me and Brian, so I owe her!) sent me this email that is being distributed to Aggieland:

All – I wanted to make you aware that we will have American Idol here on our campus next Thursday, provided that Texas A&M student and Rockwall native Jason Castro makes the top 3 finalists during the Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows. This will be an incredible opportunity to showcase Texas A&M for a national TV audience of about 33 million viewers.

As the plan stands today, Jason and the American Idol crew will arrive at Easterwood Airport on Thursday, May 8, at 5 p.m.; then he will perform a 1-hour outdoor “concert” at 7 p.m. on the steps of the Academic Building. As part of the concert, we will have a mini Yell Practice to showcase some of what makes Texas A&M a special place. We have engaged many campus units today regarding this opportunity, and we will start some promotion of the event this afternoon via social network sites such as Facebook.

For all of this to happen here on our campus, of course, is that Jason will have to perform well and get his share of the 45 million votes that will be cast. We’re hoping Aggies will help boost his numbers. The event continues to evolve and plans are moving quickly. We’ll keep you updated if anything changes drastically, and let me know if you have any questions.

Jason Cook, APR
Vice President for Marketing & Communications
Division of Marketing & Communications
Texas A&M University
So...for the love of Texas...(and Aggieland)...and for my friend Julie, please give a little voting love to Jason tonight!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Happy May Day!


Antique Rose
Originally uploaded by thingspondered
Here's a flowery treat for you!